Hair, where am I going wrong?

[Shallysally]

My hair is shoulder length, blonde highlights with a fair amount of grey. It’s quite wavy, can never leave it to air dry as it just expands and looks coarse and frizzy.

I use the blond me shampoo and conditioner and Osmo straightening crème. Have the Remington shine therapy straighteners. I use a mask once a week.

Hair doesn’t really feel smooth, and the ends don’t lay flat. I’m not sure if it’s the cut, do the ends need chipping in to do they lay better?

Also, is it worth investing in better straighteners please?

If you’re able to add a photo that would help. Could it possibly be the highlights have chemically damaged the hair? You sound like you’re using good haircare at home. The heat from the straighteners won’t be doing it much good, are you able to turn the heat down on them? It’s surprising how most hair types only require a much lower temperature than the typical 190-220oc.

Yes it could be the chemicals. New salon and they use a different brand of colour than last salon.
Temperature could be high, 200 usually.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but are you using a proper blow dry technique with a good brush? I know you are straightening it, but just a thought. Ignore me if you have that covered though!

I rough dry the excess off then section and use a vent brush then finish with a round brush.
Not sure if this is right though!
If I use the round brush only it seems to go frizzier.

I have a very similar hair type but longer. To make it look naturally smooth and healthy, takes a fair amount of work!
I find washing it 3x with shampoo removes old build up/grease which makes the hair easier to style.
Pre-shampoos, either cooking grade virgin coconut oil once a week ideally left in overnight, it really helps with frizzy dry hair look more healthy again, if i’m a rush then Redken bond repair pre shampoo is also very good, only needs to stay on 10mins.
use styling products sparingly, I use Dyson air straight to blow dry, it’s meant to be healthier way to dry without very high heat and keeps hair sleek, I think it’s worth the money. occasionally I run straighter s over, but don’t heavily rely on them once I’ve done my routine, I use GHD but tbh any brand is ok.
I think the hair needs more moisture, try this first then see if you need different styling tools or both.

Where you say rough dry, do you mean you use a regular towel to dry your hair quickly (like you might do with a wet pet?) if so, that is probably not helping.

Get a microfiber towel as this will help absorb water but is gentler on your hair. I don't rough dry my hair, I leave it in the towel and squeeze my hair with it, I don't rub it all over. I think this helps make my hair less frizzy and smoother

@smallsilvercloud, my hairdresser had the Dyson air straight. I’m wondering if that might make a difference. I‘m guessing you feel it is worth the investment?

@LittleSoo, no, I mean that I initially set with the hairdryer using my fingers. I keep the towel on as long as possible then just scrunch hair in the towel.